By Amy Sienicki
 
February 12, 2010
 
ASHLAND, Ore. -- New businesses will soon be feeding the local Ashland economy.
 
A number of new restaurants and locations have set up shop just in time for tourist season. The Oregon Shakespeare Festival is starting its 2010 season in a week.
 
Apple Cellar Bakery, which already has a location on Ashland Street, is adding another store in downtown Ashland at the end of this month. It will be right across from the cinema. Apple Cellar Bakery General Manager Rob Day says the current location, just off Interstate 5, attracts more locals. He says the new location will be more convenient for tourists. Apple Cellar Bakery makes all of its pastries, breads and paninis from scratch.
 
"The downtown location is so huge because OSF is down there. And the walking traffic, 4th of July, sidewalk festivals, and we just feel like we're missing the party being on this side of town," Apple Cellar Bakery General Manager Rob Day said.
 
Martolli's on Main Street, just next to Ashland City Hall, opened Thursday. The new owners are from Sisters in Central Oregon.
 
Businesses say now is a good time to start a business or expand because there are more opportunities. Businesses that had to close last year freed up space and made room for new business.